WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of November 13, 1972-- Part 1: 'I'm Stone in Love with You'

That's right, a half century ago these were the big songs on Chicago's Powerhouse WLS, 890 AM.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

27.  *I'M STONE IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Stylistics    #10  With that unique voice of Russell Thompkins, Jr.  From Philadelphia.

26.  *CLAIR--  Gilbert O'Sullivan     #2       Dig the whistling.  Follow up to "Alone Again (Naturally)"  Real name Raymond O'Sullivan.   A song about the 3-year-old daughter of his manager.

25.  *CRAZY HORSES--  Osmonds     #14      This is a great Halloween song.  Weird.  Who says the Osmonds can't rock.  This could be Heavy Metal.  Seriously.  Give it a listen if you don't remember it.  Especially watch the video.

24.  *OPERATOR--  Jim Croce      #17      My favorite Jim Croce songs.  Too bad we didn't have him longer.  Just imagine all those great songs he might have had.

23.  *IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin       #3      Hard to imagine a song that is more of a belly rubber.    His group?  The Blue Notes.

22.  *BEN--  Michael Jackson     #1      A song about a rat?  Title song from the movie.

21.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient     #3     Again, this songs always reminds me of driving the Ramblin' Wreck ('63 Rambler station wagon)  on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois, my senior year at NIU.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "See, The Number In The Matchbook Is Old And Faded."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Operator"

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 3: Bringing It All Back

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We were married on this date 49 years ago.  The ceremony took place at the Newman Center in DeKalb right by the campus of Northern Illinois University where we both graduated.  The reception also took place in DeKalb at what was the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway (that Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental paved highway).  It is now still there and is a Red Roof Inn.  It is right across the street from one of out favorite places, Pizza Pros.

We sat outside for awhile and I went to the office for coffee and a Dubuque newspaper.  Yep, they still give guests a newspaper.  How quaint.

Forty-nine years ago, I woke up in our apartment in Des Plaines and Liz woke up at her parents' house in Palatine.  Then, we drove to DeKalb.

I didn't know Dubuque had three colleges: the University of Dubuque, Clarke College and one other one.  Plus, one of their parks is named Comsikey Park.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How does a building burn up as it burns down?

WLS Top 26 for Week of September 11, 1972-- Part 4: The Top Ten Songs, 'Back Stabber'

That's right, fifty years ago.  If you remember thesesongs you are more than a half century old.

*  means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboad Hot 100 National Charts.

10.  *BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night      #1     Reminds me of driving the ol' Ramblin' Wreck ('63 Rambler station wagon) on the Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois.

9.  *SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago    #3    Pound that piano, bring in the horns.

8.  ROCK & ROLL PART 2--  Gary Glitter    #7

7.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays    #3   

6.  YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM--  Jim Croce     #8     Sure wish we'd had him around longer.

5.  LONG COOL WOMAN--  Hollies     #2    Just when you thought they were finished.

4.  *BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis    #1 for three weeks.

3.  ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY)--  Gilbert O'Sullivan    #1   It was #1 for six weeks.

2.  *I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Al Green   #3

1.  BRANDY--  Looking Glass.     #1    This is its third straight week in a row at #1 on the WLS survey.  It was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week.

I don't know about you, but this is one of the best Top Tens I've ever seen.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "People Dancing, People Laughing, A Man Selling Ice Cream."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Saturday in the Park"

Last Week: Our 48th Wedding Anniversary and Living High Off the Hog-- Part 1

TUESDAY. AUGUST 24

We were thinking  what was going on with ourselves 48 years ago.  I signed my contract to teach my first year in Round Lake, Illinois, and we had the rehearsal dinner for our wedding the next day.

We had planned to go to Galena, Illinois, this week (where we went on our honeymoon), but decided to stay home because of the return of the virus (even though we are both vaccinated).

I went to the McHenry Count Civil War Round Table Board of Directors meeting instead.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25   LIZ AND MY 48TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Forty-eight years ago, Liz and I got married at the Newman Center in DeKalb, Illinois (NIU) and had our reception at the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

No expense was spared for our anniversary breakfast with a trip to McDonald's for their breakfast sandwiches.  (Buy one get another for $1.)

Met friends at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and an anniversary toast.  Then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.

Lots of Memories.   --RoadDog

Going All Out for the 47th Anniversary-- Part 1

Today marks the 47th anniversary of our wedding back on August 25, 1973.  That makes 47 years for those of you counting.

We got married at the Newman Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and then  had our wedding reception at the DeKalb Holiday Inn on Illinois Highway 39, the Lincoln Highway and then that night, drove all the way out to the Mississippi River where we went to the Palace Motel.  We arrived about 2 am and our room had been left open for us.

I had just signed my contract to teach in Round Lake, Illinois, the day before and we had our rehearsal dinner at a Algauers in Mount Prospect on Milwaukee avenue.

To say this was a busy few days for me is a bit of an understatement.

Our honeymoon was cut short and I had to start teaching three days later.

Bust Times.  --RoadDog

One Great Time Last Weekend: Barhopping, Wings, $1 Drafts, Beach Bumz Band, Fish Fry and the Legion

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

Barhopping at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.  Two places where everybody knows your name.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Met Kevin and Kelly, Glenn and Barb at Bootleggers on Grasslake Road in Antioch and enjoyed the 50 cent wings and $1 draft pints.  Then went to the It's Thursday in Antioch, the weekly party by the bandshell behind Main Street.  Every Thursday from mid-June to mid-August, they have a band playing there from 7:30 to 9 p.m..

Tonight the band was Johnny Russell & the Beach Bumz.  If you like Jimmy Buffett, reggae or country beach music, this music is for you.  We also met several good friends there.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Enjoyed WDRV's Ten at Ten's American Road Trip songs.  Road tripping on old highways is one of our favorite things to do, especially on Route 66 or the Lincoln Highway.

We met Kelly and Kevin and Barb and Glenn at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for their beer-battered fish fry, auce for $9,99 and $2 craft beer pints.  Then went to the Fox Lake American Legion with them for the 50-50.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

Busy Weekend-- Part 1: NCIS, Fatty's, Pizza Pros, Lincoln Inn, One-Room Schoolhouse and the Legiom

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

We went to DeKalb, Illinois, to the campus of Northern Illinois University and heard the Director of NCIS, the real director, not the TV one, Andrew Traver speak.  He is also receiving the NIU Distinguished Alumni Award.

Afterwards, it was to Fatty's and Pizza Pros on Lincoln Highway to watch the NCAA Tournament games.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

We ate at the Lincoln Inn on Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb, then went to an 1880s one-room schoolhouse on the way home.  We later went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50 and watched the NCAA games there and at home in Margaritaville.

This Sure Is One Great Tournament.  --RoadNCIS

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 3: Pizza, Beer and a Hawks Win!

Continued from Tuesday, February 7.

February 4, Saturday

After the basketball victories, we drove downtown to Lord Stanley's, right on the Lincoln Highway.  This place gets its name for the Stanley Cup (which was given by Lord Stanley of Canada).  And, this is a big hockey place, especially when the Chicago Blackhawks are playing.  And, they were playing tonight.  We've always wanted to see a 'Hawks game there, so this was a chance.

The jukebox was turned off and all TVs were on the game and lots of cheering.

Also, they have a famous food and drink special: two pitchers of beer and a 16-inch, one topping pizza for $19.  We were always too full from football homecomings when we got there, but their pizza sure looked and smelled good.  It was.

We watched two periods and then drove back to the motel and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the Blackhawks victory.

A Really Fun Day.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

Happy Birthday Route 66, U.S. 12, U.S. 14, and Most All U.S. Highways

Yesterday, November 11th, was the birthday of the United States Highway system, the one that replaced the previous mosh of named and confusing roads like the Lincoln  and Dixie highways.  They became official on that date in 1926.

--RoadDog


YOU THINK ENGLISH IS EASY?  Feast your eyes on some of these very confusing sentences.  I had to stop and think about some of them.  I'll be running these for the rest of the month at the end of every first day's post in this blog.

Here's the first one.

The bandage was wound around the wound.

DeKalb Kind of a Weekend-- Part 2: DeKalb Footstompers, Naked Nuggets

October 11th.

Watched the rest of the NIU-Central Michigan game at Lord Stanley's and it sure never got any better.  Northern had no defense and very little offense.  We played badly and they played very well and Northern's 28 game winning streak came crashing to a halt.

Oh, well, that's never been a problem before when NIU lost most of its games every year, and we weren't going to allow it to stop us from having fun this time and Da Footstompers are just the guys to get you through it.

Talked with the tuba player Rick during the game.  He is a Northern grad and an even bigger fan than we are and he was nothing short of disgusted.

Lord Stanley's filled up to standing room only. mostly us older grads.  This was the 42nd straight NIU Homecoming the DeKalb Footstompers have played (beginning at Andy's and now Lord Stanley's).

We had a mighty good time, but left after their second set to get closer to the hotel.

Stopped at Pizza Pros and had their naked nuggets (essentially plain beer nuggets but with a lot of marinara to dip them in.  Beer nuggets (fried pieces of dough) are getting quite popular in northern Illinois and to the best of our knowledge, started in DeKalb at Sgt. Pepper's.  It is becoming one of those regional delicacies.

Sure were a lot of police out on Lincoln Highway at night.  We watched a stop right by Pizza Pros where a lot of police were making a very detailed search of a car while we were eating.  At least all we had to do was walk across Lincoln Highway to get back to the motel.

"In Heaven There Is No Beer, That's Why We Drink It Here."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Pencil me in.'--  On your smartphone calendar app?

DeKalb Kind Of a Weekend-- Part 1: Alumni and Game

This past Saturday, October 11th, we drove to DeKalb, Illinois, for the Northern Illinois Homecoming game.  There was sporadic color among the trees along the way and in DeKalb.  We went to Wal-Mart and Village Commons Bookstore and bought some NIU souvenirs and then checked into the Baymont.

Walked over to the Alumni Tailgating area, always a good time with the tents, free food and give aways.  Saw NIU President Bill Baker walking around on several occasions and were serenaded by the NIU Marching Band.  Talked with Terri, our financial person at NIU for our scholarship.

Walked over to the party area west of Huskie Stadium and then decided not to buy tickets, despite perfect weather, because we would have to leave at half time if we wanted to get a place to sit at Lord Stanley's for the DeKalb Footstompers after the game.

Watched the first quarter on a small rise by some apartments south of the stadium.  The Huskies received the ball and in a minute had a TD and we were right by the ROTC howitzer when they fired it.  Quite loud when you're that close.  But then, the Chippewas score and then scored again and led 14-7 at the end of the quarter.

We walked back to the hotel and drove downtown to watch the second quarter at Sully's, but they didn't have it on so went to Lord Stanley's on Lincoln Highway, DeKalb's Main Street (Il. Route 38).

--More to Come.  --RoadDog

Just Three Weeks Away From the Lincoln Highway-- Route 66 Football Showdown

This will be the 4th annual gridiron contest between high schools here in Illinois representing towns along the two storied roads. I was able to find the IHSA current (as of last Thursday) rankings in all eight classes and a lot of them are 66/Lincoln.

A lot of these schools have been in many of the contests over the last four years.

CLASS 8A: Bolingbrook (66)

CLASS 7A: Edwardsville (66), Lincoln-Way East (LH), Batavia (LH)

CLASS 6A: Normal Community (66), Lincoln-Way North (LH), East St, Louis (66), Normal West (66)

CLASS 5A: Kaneland (LH), Sacred Heart Griffin (66), Joliet Catholin (66, LH), Normal University (66), Lincoln-Way West (LH)

CLASS 4A: Rochelle (LH)

CLASS 3A Wilmington (66), Williamsville (66).

I'll be reporting this in my RoadDog RoadBlog.

Should Be Another Exciting Time and Championship Games Will Be At Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, Home of NIU. --RoadDog

Homecoming Wins Out

I had several things I would have liked to do today. The McHenry Historical Society has a meeting and presentation this morning; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has their annual Oktoberfest and Marengo, Illinois, their annual Settlers' Days festival.

But, Northern Illinois has its homecoming against the Akron Zips (who came with a minute of defeating Michigan earlier this season. We already have tickets, anyway.

Plus, the DeKalb Footstompers play afterwards at Lord Stanley's in downtown DeKalb, right on the old Lincoln Highway.

There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town. --RoadDog

Good Times Around Here: June 27th to July 1st

THURSDAY, JUNE 27TH

The trip to Dekalb for the Lincoln Highway Centennial.  Looking for Hawk Stanley Cup gear.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH

Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, overlooking Geneva Lake for my birthday fish fry.  Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Then, karaoke at the Lakes Area Legion in Fox Lake, Illinois, on Nippersink Lake.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH

Terry and Greg Spizzirri performing on the deck at Dock's On the Rocks Tiki Bar in Wauconda, Illinois, overlooking Bang's Lake.  Then, Mellancougar tribute band to John Mellancamp playing at Captain's Quarters in Antioch on Fox Lake..

SUNDAY, JUNE 30TH

After listening to Rock and Roll Roots in the morning, it was yardwork and then Milwaukee's Eddie Butts Band playing at Captain's Quarters from 3 to 7.  They are an ultimate party band.

MONDAY, JULY 1ST

Yardwork and then J's in Ingleside for half price pizza, $1.50 pints and NTN.  Then the Legion where we bought the boat launch yearly pass.

Summers and Retirement Just Sort of Go Together.  --RoadDog

Lincoln Highway Centennial Rendezvous in Dekalb

Yesterday, I drove to Dekalb to do my little bit for the Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration, meeting up with fellow Road Warrior, Denny.  This is the short version.  There will be a longer one in my RoadDog Roadlog Blog today.

I did my usual music thing (CDs and radio) to Dekalb and noticed gas prices getting cheaper as I got farther away from Chicago.  Lots of new ponds from all the rain of late and even a creek to ford across Queen Anne Road in Woodstock.

Bought a WWII book and CDs at Barnes & Nobles, had Sliders at the Castle and a search at Wal-Mart for Blackhawk Stanley Cup gear and flowers, of course.  More flowers at Lowe's.  Then drove around the campus, went to VCB, then a drive to Dekalb's east side on the LH and a cool-off and drink at McDonald's.

Only saw five LH caravan cars and got together with Denny.  Took him by Altgeld Hall, The Castle on the Hill) and gave up trying to navigate one-way roads and bus only streets to Cole Hall.  Then to Fatty's and met up with three of Denny's friends on the caravan and their first taste of deep-fried Cajun potato salad, but no beer nuggets.

They headed to the LH Headquarters at Franklin Grove and I went home.  Stopped at the Wal-Mart in Woodstock, Dick's Sporting Goods and the Wal-Mart in McHenry looking for Hawk gear.  Mission accomplished.

Home in time for "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Night Gallery."

And, Made Big Oil So Happy, Driving 140 Miles.  --RoadDog

Heading Over for the Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration

In a few hours I'll be driving out to Dekalb, Illinois, to see the eastern caravan of classic cars pass through on its way to Kearney, Nebraska, for the big to-do this weekend and the Lincoln Highway Association annual conference next week.

I plan on meeting my buddy Denny in his '63 Comet convertible who has been with the caravan ever since it left New York City Sunday.  I'll show him around Northern Illinois University's lagoon, Altgeld Hall, "The Castle on the Hill" and oldest building and Cole Hall, where the Valentine's Day killings took place five years ago.

Then, on to Fatty's on Lincoln Highway to introduce him to deep-fried Cajun potato salad and beer nuggets, two Dekalb traditions.

I'll then follow along to Rochelle and Franklin Grove before returning home.

Should Be a Real Lincoln Highway Thing Today.  --RoadDog

Clinton, Iowa-- May 16th: The Lincoln Highway and Minor League Baseball

Drove from Spring Grove to Clinton, Iowa, yesterday, taking Il-47 to Il-176 to Il-23, to Il-72 to I-39 to the Lincoln Highway.

Gas prices dropped as we got farther away from Chicago, of course.  ($4.10 in Marengo, $3.68 in Dixon).

A lot of traffic most of the way.

Got a room for two nights at the Super 8 ($50 a night).  Had those great boneless chicken dinners at KFC and went to the ballpark (complimentary tickets at the Super 8) and saw the Clinton Lumber Kings take on the Beloit Snappers, both Class A Midwest League teams (Mariners and Athletics respectively).

This was the first win that we had seen for Clinton in several years, 6-1.

Then went to Bonnie's for a coupla celebratories and peanuts.

Minor League B-Ball and An Old Highway.  Life Is Good.  --RoadDog

Heading for Iowa on the Lincoln Highway

An old road, an old cafe and a Minor League baseball game on docket for today.

We'll drive the Lincoln Highway from Dekalb, stopping in Franklin Grove to visit the Lincoln Highway National HQ and eat at the Lincoln Cafe.  Then, on to Clinton, Iowa, for a Midwest League game by the Clinton Lumber Kings, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

Now, That's Getting Back to the Roots.  --RoadDog


TOO PUNNY:  Time flies like an arrow.  Fruit flies like a banana.

Civil War in Illinois-- Part 6: Old Gas Station-- Wishing Well-- Oval Barns-- Lincoln Highway-- Scholarship-- Alumni Association--- Athletics

Stopped at the old Standard Oil station in Odell where we ran into two people from France driving Route 66. Ate in Odell at Misty's Wishing Well. Great food at reasonable prices. Too full for the homemade pie.

Drove Illinois Highway 47 north to the Lincoln Highway in Elburn, counting five oval barns along the way. There was one oval barn on the Lincoln.

Met with our scholarship advisor at Altgeld Hall and put another $11,000 into our education scholarship, making it fully funded. Also joined the NIU Alumni Association and looked into joined the NIU athletic group.

The grass definitely needed cutting by the time we got back, so cut it before going over to the Dill Pickle for the 35 cent jumbo wings.

As Usual, a Great Time in Illinois. --RoadDog

Things Not Looking Good for the Lincoln Highway

The second round of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football playoffs have been completed and the Lincoln took-a-beatin' compared to Route 66 in this round, with just two teams left. Meanwhile, Route 66 has six.

The Lincoln Highway was 2-5 for an overall 9-8 record. Route 66 was 6-4 with an overall 16-12 record.

The Quarter Final Round begins Saturday.

Remaining teams for the LINCOLN HIGHWAY:

Class 5A

Joliet Catholic (also on Route 66) 10-1, ranked #2

Class 2A

Morrison 10-1, ranked #3



Remaining teams for Route 66

Class 5A

Joliet Catholic (also on Lincoln Highway) 10-1, ranked #2
Springfield 9-2, ranked #3

Class 4A

Pontiac 11-0, ranked #1

Class 2A

Staunton 10-1, ranked #5
Williamsville 10-1, ranked #3

Class 1A

Lexington 8-3, ranked #4

Things Aren't Looking Too Good for the Lincoln. --RoadDog